Veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara rolled back the years with a breathtaking century to fire Northamptonshire Steelbacks into the Vitality Blast semi-finals, stunning favourites Surrey in a thrilling quarter-final clash at The Kia Oval.
In a rain-shortened contest reduced to just 14 overs per side, the 40-year-old produced one of the finest innings in recent T20 history, smashing an unbeaten 105 off just 46 deliveries. His knock, laced with 12 boundaries and five towering sixes, propelled Northants to an imposing 154 for 4.
Despite a spirited chase led by Surrey, the hosts ultimately fell short, finishing on 147 for 6, handing Northamptonshire a famous seven-run victory. The result marks Northants’ first appearance at Finals Day since 2016, a remarkable achievement against a star-studded Surrey side tipped as favourites for the title.
Bopara’s innings drew plaudits from fans and pundits alike. Known for his calm composure and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, he demonstrated once again why he remains a force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket.
“This was vintage Bopara,” said one commentator. “To score a century in under 50 balls at 40 years old, in a knockout game against the competition favourites, is extraordinary.”
The win represents a massive boost for Northamptonshire, who entered the match as underdogs but will now carry momentum and belief into Finals Day. For Surrey, it was a bitter exit, ending their campaign in disappointment after dominating much of the group stages.
With the spotlight firmly back on him, Bopara’s heroics will go down as one of the most memorable knocks in T20 Blast history proof that experience, class, and sheer determination can still topple the giants.
